Contentsexpand_more
- What Is a Jaw Splint?
- Which Complaints Is a Jaw Splint Used For?
- How Does a Jaw Splint Work?
- Types of Jaw Splints
- How Is a Jaw Splint Made?
- How to Use and Care for a Jaw Splint
- How Long Does a Jaw Splint Take to Help?
- What Else Is Recommended Alongside a Splint?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a jaw splint the same as a night guard?
- Does a jaw splint hurt?
- How long do you need to use a jaw splint?
Do you wake up with a tired jaw, hear a click in the joint when you open your mouth, or start the day with an ache around your temples? A twinge in front of the ear when you bite into an apple, or a jaw that catches when you yawn, is something many people brush aside, even though it often means the joint is under strain. In that situation one of the first things a dentist may suggest is a jaw splint.
In this article we explain what a jaw splint is, which complaints it helps with, how it is made and what to keep in mind when you use it.
What Is a Jaw Splint?
A jaw splint is an oral device that fits over the upper or lower teeth, is made to the shape of your mouth and is usually produced from clear, hard acrylic. Its purpose is to change the way the teeth meet so that the load on the jaw joint and the chewing muscles is reduced and the jaw can rest in a comfortable position. This is why it is also called a stabilisation splint or an occlusal splint.
A jaw splint is often confused with a night guard. A night guard mainly protects the teeth from wear. A jaw splint also aims to relax the joint and the muscles, which means it needs a more detailed impression, a bite record and follow up visits. Your dentist decides which of the two is right for you after an examination.
Which Complaints Is a Jaw Splint Used For?
A splint is used for complaints that come from the jaw joint and the chewing muscles. The most common cause is clenching and grinding the teeth, at night or during the day. It is also recommended for jaw joint disorders, such as clicking when opening, pain, locking or a jaw that shifts to one side.
Pain around the ear, tension in the temples and neck, morning headaches, tired facial muscles and worn teeth are other complaints that bring a splint into discussion. Not every headache or face pain comes from the jaw, so the dentist first considers other causes.
How Does a Jaw Splint Work?
When the splint sits on the teeth, the upper and lower teeth no longer touch each other directly. When you clench, the chewing muscles press on the flat surface of the splint instead of the hard surface of the teeth. This helps the muscles to relax, lowers the pressure on the joint disc and lets the jaw settle into a more balanced position.
A splint does not remove the cause of the complaint on its own, but it protects the joint and the muscles while healing takes place. If factors such as stress, sleep habits and a faulty bite are not addressed, the complaints can return. For this reason treatment often includes exercises and changes in habits alongside the splint.
Types of Jaw Splints
Not all splints are used for the same purpose. The table below summarises the types that are applied most often.
| Splint type | What it is used for | When it is usually worn |
|---|---|---|
| Stabilisation splint | Relaxing the jaw joint and muscles | Mostly at night |
| Soft protective guard | Protecting the teeth in mild grinding | At night |
| Repositioning splint | Guiding a displaced disc to a better position | For the period set by the dentist |
| Anterior bite plate | Short term reduction of muscle tension | Short term and supervised |
The type is chosen according to the source of the complaint, the condition of the teeth and the patient's daily routine. Some splints are worn for a limited period only, while others may be used for a long time on the dentist's advice.
How Is a Jaw Splint Made?
At the first visit the dentist feels your jaw joint and chewing muscles, measures how far you can open your mouth and assesses your bite. If needed, a panoramic X-ray or a more detailed image of the joint is requested. Impressions of your teeth are then taken and a record of how your jaw closes is made.
The splint is produced in the laboratory to your measurements, which usually takes a few days. At the fitting visit the dentist places it in your mouth, checks the contact points and makes small adjustments when necessary. The splint should sit comfortably and touch the teeth evenly, otherwise the complaint can increase instead of easing.
How to Use and Care for a Jaw Splint
Most patients wear the splint at night while they sleep. In the first days it is normal to feel a foreign object in the mouth, to produce more saliva or to speak slightly differently, and this usually passes within a week or two. Wearing it regularly for the periods your dentist describes is the most important condition for success.
For cleaning, rinse the splint after each use with cool or lukewarm water and brush it gently with a soft brush. Hot water can deform the acrylic and should not be used. Store the splint in a dry, ventilated case and keep it away from pets. Attending the follow up visits is important because the teeth and jaw change over time.
How Long Does a Jaw Splint Take to Help?
With mild muscle tiredness and grinding, relief can be felt within a few weeks. For joint pain and clicking, improvement may take a few months and progresses with dental supervision. A splint protects the teeth while it is worn, but if the habit continues, complaints can return once use is stopped.
If your complaints do not ease at all after a few weeks, or if you notice locking or a clear limitation when opening your mouth, tell your dentist. In such cases the treatment plan is reviewed and physiotherapy or further assessment may be added.
What Else Is Recommended Alongside a Splint?
Splint treatment may not be enough on its own. Dentists often advise avoiding hard and chewy foods, not chewing gum and being aware that the teeth should not touch during the day. Keeping a small gap between the teeth, resting the tongue on the palate and keeping the jaw relaxed is a good habit.
Warm compresses, gentle jaw exercises and relaxation techniques also help reduce muscle tension. Because stress is an important trigger, sleep routines and daily relaxation habits should be seen as part of the treatment. If the bite is uneven, orthodontic treatment or corrections to fillings and crowns may also be planned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a jaw splint the same as a night guard?
No. A night guard mainly protects the teeth from wear. A jaw splint is made to relax the jaw joint and muscles and needs a more detailed impression and follow up.
Does a jaw splint hurt?
A splint should not cause pain. Some discomfort is possible while you get used to it, but ongoing pain or uneven contact with the teeth should be checked by your dentist for adjustment.
How long do you need to use a jaw splint?
It depends on the cause of the complaint. Some patients use it for a few months, while others continue for longer on their dentist's advice. The duration is decided at the follow up visits.
